Code of Conduct – Players

Introduction

Meadowridge AFC promotes
football activity with the aim of providing our players an opportunity to
develop superior Life Skills through team play, sportsmanship, top competition
and hard work. Our mission is to provide our players with the opportunity to
play football at a competitive level commensurate with their individual
ability, potential and interest. An emphasis on fair play and respect for all
participants is a primary element of our Clubs mission. To better achieve that
mission, we provide a Code of Conduct for Players. This Code of Conduct is a
covenant between MAFC players to abide by the rules and regulations of the game
as well as to maintain a co-operative attitude and uphold the ideals of fair
play and sportsmanship. This Code expresses our core values and goals and it is
essential that they be honoured and followed.

1. Demonstrating a positive
attitude.

Players, parents and coaches
are expected to show a positive, respectful attitude for everyone involved in
the sport. Criticism and disrespect for officials, opponents, coaches or
supporters undermine the purpose of sport and encourage behaviour contrary to
the spirit of the game and the mission of MAFC

2. Setting a good example.

Each person associated with MAFC
is accountable for his / her behaviour at all times on and off the field of
play. Parents, coaches and other adults should remember that children learn by
example – it is up to adults to set good examples.

MAFC will not tolerate conduct
that is detrimental to the sport, the participants or the community. Such
conduct includes vulgarity by coaches, players or parents; harassment or
belittling of officials, coaches or players; verbal abuse, threats or physical
violence toward anyone before, during or after a match and the taunting of
opposing players, coaches and parents. We require thorough self-restraint by
all participants – both players and adults. Teams must exercise appropriate
control over those who fail to control themselves.

3. Maintaining good
relationships

Officials – The referee’s job
is a difficult one. All referees are human and they do make mistakes. Parents
or players who believe that their team has been treated unfairly or has been
assigned an unqualified referee should speak to their coach after the game. Coaches
should inform the appropriate Club officials about blatant officiating
problems. Managers should make reports to either the Junior Chairperson or Club
Chairman. In accordance with FIFA laws, verbal abuse towards a referee can
results in a red card and the ejection of a player, coach or parent. Referees
have the authority to suspend play if a coach does not control his players and
/ or parents / supporters.

Opponents – Players and coaches
are required to maintain a sense of fair play and to be respectful of opposing
players, coaches and supporters at all times. Sportsmanship begins with
respect. Without it the positive competitive environment, which should be a
perfect classroom for learning the values of football is completely undermined.
Occasionally we will encounter opponents who do not share our values and high
standards. If we allow ourselves to be drawn down to their level we will have
lost regardless of the final score.

Our Own Team – In an
environment where our children are competing not only against other teams but
also frequently against each other it can be difficult to control jealousies
and rivalries. A successful team resembles a family in that members put their
own needs second, behind the greater good of the team. Great care must be taken
not to undermine the coaches’ authority. As in most cases parental example is
all important.

Players’ Code

It is a privilege to play for MAFC
and as a MAFC player I will:

Play the game for the game’s sake and not just to
please my parents or coach.

Be modest and generous when I win, gracious when I
lose.

Respect the game of football and its laws, learn by
those laws and try and follow them and play the game fairly.

Work for the good of my team and give my best effort
at all times.

Show respect for the authority of the referee even
though I will sometimes disagree with his/her calls.

Show good sportsmanship before, during and after
games. I understand that football is a game and that players on the other team
are my opposition and not my enemies.

Conduct myself with honour and dignity and treat other
players as I would like to be treated.

Help my parents and supporters to understand the laws
of the game so that they can watch and enjoy the game more. I will be sure that
they understand that dissent is not permitted by MAFC players, coaches and
supporters.

Control my temper and not retaliate even if I believe
that I have been wronged.

I understand that negative posts on social media
against MAFC, opponents, officials, CTTFA can result in my suspension and/or my
membership revoked.

I understand that should I incur a fine for any fouls
or transgressions during a match, MAFC is not liable for the fine, but myself
as the player that incurred the fine and undertake to pay the fine in full myself.
I acknowledge that the club will withhold my SAFA card until I have paid the
fine/s and I will be ineligible to play matches.

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